Life is Beautiful

Recently we had a debate in our office on marriage. No, no it was not on the usual love marriage vs. arranged marriage, but on whether a marriage is needed or not. Though I am not going to brief the debate, one point struck my logics very badly. A point of argument on the necessity to get married was, "what happens when you fall sick or you get old and are depended". "Who will take care of your day-to-day needs?" Is marriage mainly aimed at that? Doesn't it have something more than that? Mostly weddings have become sort of a business agreement where an MOU is signed but in the marriage register office (fittingly the government has made it compulsory for any marriages to be registered).

According to my knowledge, partnership is the most sweetest part of life. More than the pleasures and services, it is identifying yourself in your loved ones. I have come across partners who may chat all the time when on phone but when they meet they will have nothing to speak but will be happy to rest on each others shoulders and involuntarily doze off. It may look odd, but I strongly feel this reflects the most intimate love than anything else. A peaceful mind and soul goes to rest when it sleeps, which a disturbed or tensed person can never be able to do. There is a sequence in yoga known as Shavasana which aims at emptying the thoughts and resting the body, and it will be noticed during that posture invariably the person who succeeds to perform it with extreme conscientiousness sleeps. I would relate the above happening within the couples to the same effect of Shavasana. It is the intensity of peace that one experience from the other resulting in this.

There is a saying that if one gets the right partner, he/she has the entire world to enjoy whereas if one gets the wrong pair, he/she will lose the right to live his/her own life. The primary reason for failure of any relation is impractically high level of expectations and we call it with a new terminology as possessiveness. Another reason for failure is personal needs and greeds. True love will always be happy only in giving, and less be concerned about personal benefits. The main expectation from the partner will be to see him/her happy. I may sound ideal, but you can check with any pair whom you feel respected for their relation, the above statement will fit perfectly.

Brian Weiss, a well know psychologist, in his book Many Lives, Many Masters elaborates on the existence of Soul Group and Soul Mate that occurs for everyone in every birth. I would advice reading the book to get a clearer picture of the concept. On a short note, the Soul Group is the one that becomes the best friends and the Soul Mate is the one who shares the life. So, even scientifically, for n-number of life spans we have been going through the cycle of sharing our life and it would be ideal to start looking at a higher value than relating it to a servant’s job or a business deal.

In a life that is filled with internal responsibilities and external challenges, we are tormented to the core. But these all end up to be trivial and easy to handle if we look at the highest value of true love. Any business will hit rough weathers if the profit margin is not good and may slide too during the worse-case scenarios. So don't practice business with relationships but rather know its true value and hold it at greater heights. Now there may be complaints that I am not peaceful with my partner, so how am I supposed to hold the relation at a higher level? The answer is quite simple, had we accepted the relations to satisfy our personal benefits and needs and they are done and dealt with, the relationship will start tasting sour because of (if we can call it) the materialistic bubble-burst. Rather, if you were really looking for your true soul mate, then you would be by default experiencing the completeness within you and at peace and harmony with the world.

A journey through long path that has streams that supplies tasty water, entertained by singing birds and beautiful flowers, fed by healthy and tasty fruits, enjoyed by pleasant climate, enveloped by cool and calm atmosphere, towered with a clean sky, basked by mild sun/moon will always be healthy and happy; such is the journey of life with the loved ones, just enjoy it and immerse yourself, you will always enjoy good health, and happiness will always enrich your life.

SATHISH N

The Legend Within You

Being ignored by the loved ones is supposed to be more painful that denying. Deep within the soul, everyone craves to be recognized by either the family or relatives or friends or colleagues or competitors or society or the world as a whole. It all starts from the very tender age when we would have rolled over the mud road crying hard just to convey our parents the message that “I too am here”. As we grow, this attention seeking too grows with us but prevails in different forms and intensities.

Our life is a combination of a cycle of events that needs constant analysis and fine tunings. If we place ourselves at a neutral point and do the analysis, it will yield optimal results. Most often, blinded by the expected output, we tend to start our analysis one-sided or biased. Also presently, the general mindset of the people is that they are always correct and there is no need for self analysis. The moment the concept of I, Me and Myself creeps into individuals, they feel that they are matured and tuned to match at the highest level, which often is not the truth. This reluctance to understand the truth acts as a key barrier for any sort of progress, both inward as well as outward.

Though the greats visualize each and every life as the “History in Action” and individuals as history makers, most of the people see life as an “Action Movie” where they are the heroes. The inability to draw line between fantasy and reality is making things worse both for individuals, their families, dear ones as well as for the society. All the heroes on screen are projected perfect, flawless and champions by default. They are always in the limelight and forever successful. There is no need for preparation or self analysis. With all these features, everyone bothered only about the final outcome and never cared to look beyond into the efforts that their champions sweat in.

A woman says she is suffering both at home and in the society to keep her family in right shape and move ahead. A man says he is stressed out the most for the welfare of the people associated with him. The students group will say they are always at the wrong end of the world surrounded by intense competition and negatively politicized procedures, and success comes only because of their abundant talent. In an organization each may claim that they ultimately are putting extra effort than the rest or are the smartest of the lot but still not being given the justice. All of us may be doing our role to the best of our ability and these may be the extreme statements to express the efforts being put in, but if the approach is implying the mindset that their efforts are superior to the rest, then that makes it immature and biased.

The fast food nature of life nowadays has taken a lot of time out of everybody’s life and we are running short of time even to accomplish the assigned tasks and satisfy our materialistic wishes. Thus we are surrounded mainly by people who belong to the immature class in one form or another. They themselves are not stabilized to find what gives them ultimate happiness and at what point they will be content about what they have. If we are craving for recognition from such immature individuals, then we are misdirecting ourselves because an immature and biased person will never be able to provide the right recognition, and longing for it will become meaningless.

All great leaders suggest that recognizing yourself is more apt than wishing others to recognize you. In order to recognize oneself, he/she should first “realize” themselves. So self realization, neutrally, is of atmost importance. Knowing ones own value, strengths, areas of improvement, nature, weakness will help to improve and adapt to any situation. A wrong marketing may grab immediate attention but it will not hold for long unless the individuals is determined to support it for long with added lies and wrong doings but such acts will come to light one day or another. Rather than undergoing the pain and strain of strengthening the lies in order to prove it correct, it will be much easier to stick to the truth and follow its path.

Recognition of the society is like the applause a student gets for topping the class. If someone else gets the first position in the next exam, the attention shifts. At the end of the year, a new batch fills the lot and the competition will be among a totally different set of individuals. This scenario of changing focal point goes on and on and on. So if the ultimate aim is to be recognized by a third person, it is like an uncertainty that will change depending on the taste and maturity level of individuals. If we go after that we may finally end up being wounded internally with some personality disorders or complexes. One needs to understand that the right recognizer will have an eagerness to see you grow and hence may provide guidance or the least some positive inputs which is aimed at self realization (directly or indirectly) and never de-motivates or try to prove ones own worthiness.

People who try to realize themselves and graduates in that will be successful in producing the best out of them irrespective of the circumstances and will be able to enjoy it to the maximum, unhindered by the success or failure of their efforts. Their wholehearted effort itself will be a means of pleasure and the learnings to fine tuning themselves will be the greatest gifts for them. Over time, the continuous learning and dedicated performance takes an individual to heights where their life and knowledge will be of immense value to the world. They move beyond the limitations of time, more than mere heroes, and become legends.

If we look around beyond the current “Thamashas”, we can find a lot of things to learn from each and every life around us. Each one of us has a legend within us waiting to be released from the cage of ignorance. The birth and death of that true self depends on whether one is seeking internal recognition or the external one. The world maybe biased and people may be misguiding, so don’t get de-motivated by it, since it is a short lived spike, come out of the fantasies and biased outlook and allow the legend in you to take the shape and help you enjoy each and every second of living with happiness and content.

SATHISH N

The Island of King Trinabh

The sun rose every day just to enjoy the beauty of this small island surrounded three fourth by beautiful scenic hills covered with thick layer of trees, which were hugged and kissed by the clouds that fall to its beauty and marvel. Along with the different species of animals and birds in those forests, the island sheltered a small group of natives whose livelihood was mainly dependant on vegetation. Ruled by, the Simple and Humble, King Trinabh, the island was the love for all those who could realize its value, both within it as well as outsiders.

Along with providing proper climate cycle, the hills rendered the source of water to the island via the rivers that originated from them. Being a small group, the king had clear strategy to his people, whom he saw as members of his own family. The human habitation was over the river banks with properly planned huts and plantations. It was enchanting all around with the entire canvas covered with different shades of green. The flowers and birds were the main dancers and musicians. The running water was so tasty and pure that it gave extra energy and freshness.

Ensuring the greenery of the hills around was the primary hobby of the islanders. This helped the animals to have an undisturbed world of their own. The hills also ensured that the rivers were perennial and never went dry. The people entertained themselves with rhythmic dances and songs. The main sports were wrestling and archery. Being a small group, the entire population was part of both the working group as well as the defense group. Men and women took equal responsibilities in vegetating their island. In the Army, while men formed the power force, women acted as the support staffs. The grown up kids took care of the homes, land and young ones during wartime.

The king believed that nothing is independent and everything was inter-dependent in one way or another. Though the island didn't witness any attack in the recent path, the kind was particular about being always prepared for one. Both the Army and the Agriculture groups were divided into three, the Right Wing, Middle Wing and the Left Wing, each led by an experienced war person who had proved his metal with agriculture too. This helped the king to communicate his ideas on both the battlefield as well as the agri field effectively and efficiently accomplish things in the best possible manner.

There was one wing that communicated directly to the king named the Primary Shield. This group was spread around the border and checks on the intruders. They were constantly trained and had capacity to withstand any sort of attack. This gave enough time for all the wings to group together and come heavily against the enemies.

Enemies who attacked the island were taken back by the sheer power of the islanders. The king's theory of interdependence was the main reason for this. Taking care of the agriculture and the hobby of maintaining forest along the slopes of the hill and entertainment by dancing ensured that everybody is fit and strong. The wrestling and archery helped them to improve their skills. The healthy food and pure water made them disease free and powerful.
Though the king had wide knowledge about the world around and the formats present there on the classes, scales of responsibilities and forms and entertainment, he was not impressed by them. The entertainment formats like Gladiators, drinks, and others had gained momentum but he was strictly against them because he believed that the strength of his people was their unity and power, so classifying them for entertainment will weaken them both mentally and physically as well as bring down the mutual respect. In the current set up, everyone were responsible for everything and there was no entertaining group and viewing group, but there was all participants enjoying and entertaining themselves and others, which ensured all are equally happy and excited.

The island didn't witness any attack for quite some time. Few intruders were there but they were brought on knees by the Primary Shield and imprisoned. There wasn't any search for the missing personnel by their kings, probably they were not cared or were believed to be drowned into the ocean bed.

Using the prisoners for in agriculture was a hot topic of discussion on the king's court. Though the head of the wings, who took care of agri and army, were not happy with the suggestion, the momentum towards it was very strong and it was approved. Few prisoners were released and joined the agriculture group. Being of small headcount, a separate commander was not nominated.

Shaking the balance of the opponent was part of the strategy of attackers. Making the enemies weak, directly or indirectly, was always part of the war plans. Some key enemies had learned the strength of concept of interdependence and wanted to break the link and make the islanders weak. These prisoners found the bill was the right opportunity for the same.

The released prisoners while carrying out their duty as agriculturist started marketing about their so called glorious lands and life style. They were discussing aloud about the separate army group, separate agri group, separate entertainment group, servants and arenas. They also said that the king's logic at the slopes was stupid and he was treating his subjects as animals who are always made to work. The prisoners said that their kings ensured that the authorities’ duty was to keep people happy and entertained, whereas here people are put into so much of hardship without any excitement.

The venom injected had its impact. Few forgot the fact that they were the strength of the country and few believed that since they were the strength of the country, it is dependent on them and should be given extra weightage. The arrested group was smelling success. Their theory was spreading like wild fire. Some immature guys got misguided. Though few had realized the truth, they were not allowed to voice their opinion and fearing agitation few declined to express their viewpoint.

The leader of the different wings came to know about this and in order to make their subjects realize the bigger picture, they summoned for a meeting but that didn't yield good reception. The misguided group claimed that they were treated badly than the prisoners who just need to do the agricultural work whereas they had to perform duty both on the field and during war. The vision of the higher was getting totally blinded. The point that all that were being done was to strengthen the country and people never got sold among them and it was considered as orders. They said that they are smart, talented and capable enough to face any war and win it.

The prisoner group continued to spit poison and the new gen started falling to the imaginative luxury and performing only when there is demand. They said all the time, other than the one that anyone needs work, is for entertainment and there is no need for any preparation. The assumption of being powerful and talented by default grew strong and the preparation phase witnessed lesser involvement. The food output became relatively less. The perennial rivers saw a minor reduction in levels.

Few people who realized the truth continued with their effort and kept on strengthening themselves and their group. They were clear that the things that were assumed now as work were not so but the way of living, which is to be enjoyed and experienced than complained. They continued with the king's plan and didn't lose their focus of the higher and hence could witness the improvement in skills, strength and confidence. All of them felt equally heroes. Since this was happy at the backdrop of agitation, it was not noticed much.

In order to restore things, the king called for a meeting. Everybody assembled and when the discussion was about to commence, a messenger from the Primary Shield came and informed that the island is about to be attacked. Immediate orders were passed for national duty. The troops were readied and moved immediately.

Ahead of the war the king addressed his subjects, "You compared things considering all the kings to be like me and the entire kingdom to be prosperous as ours. We need not depend on others' wealth because we are self sufficient. Others have to because they are not prosperous as we are or all the wealth is being eaten by the royals. Our vision was rich today and tomorrow, both culturally as well as wealth wise. We wanted everyone to enjoy a level playing field. We should remember that we were not working to establish prosperity because our ancestors had already done it and we were only maintaining it. We also should understand that when someone is attacking us investing so much of time and money, it is because they don't possess what we have and want to acquire it by any means."

He continued saying that, "If you feel what the prisoners uttered was true, and their land was better than ours, then why didn't they make even one attempt to flee our island. All that they had said was out of pure frustration of losing their identity and staying away from their dear ones. We don't know how many of us will see tomorrow but let us do what we can do for our motherland that was with us always. When the war is over, our triumph will be declared aloud and we will have more attention, so let's pledge that we will continue with our responsibilities with more vigor and gain strength and be always united and clear with our vision. In the name of our motherland, let's bring the enemies to our feet."

The army reached the border and saw a big group anchoring their ships. Their numbers outnumbered the islanders. Few young guys who were experiencing war for the first time were taken back by the atmosphere itself. The leaders along with the experienced warriors analyzed the enemies. After the analysis, they addressed, "Our skill, power and unity are our strengths. They may look large in count but not in strength. Their nation's pathetic condition is witnessed by the lack of passion and energy among the soldiers. They are a stagnated lot, whose destiny is defeat and steep fall. If we can team up properly, all of us will see tomorrow and be at the lap of our motherland enjoying her warmth and care. They may break the rules of war, so expect the unexpected."

The teams were grouped in different combinations. The war began. Warriors who were not misguided felt that all their efforts were coming handy and were overpowering the attackers with ease. Whereas soldiers who complained and got rusted found they were not as agile and free flowing as they used to be. They felt that they had to give extra effort to match with the strength of their own members. Once they started getting blows from the enemies they realized that they wasted key time and opportunity to enrich themselves to higher levels. They were having a tough time to survive, help themselves and the team. The fight lasted for almost a month. The constant supply of food ensured that all of them were healthy and strong, whereas the enemies were getting exhausted and depleted. The vegetation along with hills made it tough for the enemies to carry out attack from other sides. The islanders won the war with great flamboyance.

All the warriors returned home with very minor injuries and no loss to life, but with a completeness filled with pride. As soon as they reached, they unanimously requested the king not to let lose the prisoners but take them back to the prison as such weeds should not be surfacing the society. The strength and unity of the island along with its richness became well known among all the nations around the globe but none dared to attack them again. The islanders also made sure they never got rusted and took up responsibilities in all constructive things and kept upgrading themselves and all as each and everyone in their group. Though a small group, the island had its flag flying high among the rest of the world.

SATHISH N

Right Person at Right Place - Mindset

“Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu.” I would like to first start with Onam wishes filled with Peace, Prosperity and the blessings of almighty to each and every creations in this world. My Hearty Onashamsagal to all.

Onam is the celebration on the occasion of the homecoming of the Great King Mahabali (Maveli). It is said that during his regime the world witnessed the presence of Heaven on Earth. There is a famous song on it that’s sung over Onam which starts as “maveli nadu vaneedum kalam…” The translation goes thus:

"When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people were equal.
And people were joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Deaths of children were unheard of,
There were no lies,
There was neither theft nor deceit,
And no one was false in speech either.
Measures and weights were right;
No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.
When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,
All the people formed one casteless races”

We can argue that the aforementioned is just an imagination rather than reality but is it a sample of the statement made by Albert Einstein on Mahatma Gandhi that "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth." Whatever is the case, King Mahabali was the first person to ignite the thought of Right Person at Right Place in my mind.

The core of any event on earth trickles down to the individual, their maturity, attitude, and discipline. The CPU of the now robotic life is the mindset, which is directly or indirectly being programmed to float around the materialistic and immaterial pleasures. It doesn’t mean that all are trapped in that “World of Maya” but there is a strong wave moving in that direction that years down the line all of us may be addicted to it where discipline and righteousness will become trademarks of outdated individuals.

Nowadays the wrong things and causes are being the center of attraction that such people are treated as celebrities. Earlier, if a person finds someone to be cunning or dishonest, they will be sidelined and avoided because of losing his/her own identity. Whereas now those deeds are classified as smartness and they are the nucleus of celebration. This attitude is resulting in a gradual shift towards similar mindsets misunderstanding it as the shortcut to happiness and success. The aforementioned is like addiction to drugs that someone who tries to guide the right path is considered villains at the first instance; reason is a premeditated mindset and resistance to accept and follow the right path which needs dedication and systematic approach.

So even though a few argued that the concept of Right Person at Right Place is idealistic and impractical, I felt that if Prevention is Better Than Cure, then this is the best practice to follow. Even striving towards it and getting organized itself should yield good results. The key point one should realize is that only the broadminded and intellect will really understand the value of this concept.

With the current mind getting spoiled by the fantasies, only when the people who stand at the border of ecstasy of shortcuts & sweetness of truth graduates to accept and follow the higher value, we will start seeing the shift in the paradigm. The spoiled may cry foul because they have submerged deep in the imaginative world that coming out of it will need extra effort and forgoing the pleasures will not be that easy. So they may erupt with all sort of counter reactions which will need to be dealt with a neutral analysis and never getting carried away perspective.

The process of weeding off will be successful only if it is removed from the root, else the possibility of recurrence will be high. Unlike surgery, corrective measures involving human mind will need a slow and systematic approach. At the ground level, before initiating the process, what is important is the acceptance and belief that the tool in hand can be a viable solution and an earnest effort to stick to the basics and never get carried away.

We should also understand that any constructive measures will take some time to reap results but destructive things will spread like wild fire and give momentary output. Ignoring a beautiful pond as such and allowing the plants to multiply out of proportion and erasing the pond forever need no effort but maintaining it properly needs some genuine effort, which in turn will come out with widespread goodness to all the direct and indirect dependence of the pond.

Let us not misunderstand knowledge equates to intellect. Anyone who have good retention capacity or can logically grasp the scientific and non-scientific theories can claim to be knowledgeable but being intellect sets a much higher standard than that. An unbiased, neutral, broadminded individual who can perceive things from every angle and then draw the optimal conclusion taking hand of righteousness can be an ideal choice for an intellect.

Since an attitude to shoulder all the stress and strain at the top level and pamper the next gen is spreading at a rapid pace, we are at a situation where however the kid is, the parent should be flexible and tolerant; however the student is, the teacher should be adjusting and soft; however the employee is, the manager should be gentle and acceptive; however the people are, the nation should be progressive. Maybe it is quick fix we found since some empty vessels made too much of noise but what about the long-term when these kids , students, employees, and people need to elevate to become the parents, teachers, managers and represent the world??? In the name of generating retentive atmosphere, are we ending up grooming unmoulded and immature but egoist group to key positions, which may lead to further chain reactions that would shake up the entire stability and balance???

Though the practicality of a becoming a ruler like King Mahabali and establishing a life style of his time may trigger doubt in the minds, realizing a solution but not striving for it will be more grave and inhumane than people who spoiled things by living in a world of immaturity. The primary preparation is to have the right mindset. Let’s prepare ourselves mentally before getting into the act, which is the biggest and strongest investment; the backbone of the long journey ahead. Let the attitude, talent and Aura of Kind Mahabali be filled in each and everyone in this world establishing a prosperous world filled with the truth and righteous around. I wish we start seeing the Right Person in each and every one of us and start decorating the Right
Positions we take with at most precision. Happy Onam!!!

SATHISH N

Right Person at Right Place - Nation

First of all I would like to start by conveying my appreciation to the supporters against corruption. Our country has once again proved that the peaceful approach is still a powerful medium to fight against injustice. There were few articles against the development relating it with the attempts by other personalities who tried similar ways for valid causes but in vain. There is always an argument that glamor holds a key position in sports for the players to get quick and heavy sponsorship but let’s not look at the current development using the same lens. One should realize that unlike the previous instances, the current one is questioning the dignity of the governing system, which they have to respond or else will be like accepting that it is not clean.

The mass agitation gives enough proof that each and every one is affected because of corruption one way or another. People should have felt this is the right opportunity to question the irresponsible and inhumane, who sucks our blood misusing our delicate situations. So the direct involvement of the otherwise silent citizens of our nation is the evidence of the realization of the doubt if we are becoming slaves to our own bureaucrats who are keen to satisfy their greed and selfishness.

The list of scams like CWG, ADARSH, SPECTRUM and so on currently on the radar has given enough evidence that the corrupt officers are only dedicated to catch hold of the biggest possible pie when it comes to money and are never bothered about our “Motherland or its reputation”, or the dedication of our “Jawans” or the growth of the “nation and its people”. All they are focused is money, money and more money. I wonder how much money will make them feel fulfilled and start doing their duty properly (is it ever possible to satisfy them) or do they have account in any Banks in the “HELL” so that they can transfer these “hard-earned grabbing” while inhaling the last breath of their life.

In any profession, depending on your skill and qualification, you will be placed in different designations. Probably what we are witnessing now is the hierarchy for Thieves. If one is not smart enough, he becomes Petty Thief. Be courageous and daring, then he succeeds being a burglar. If one can manage to hold up key position, he ends up being White-Collared Thief. If one can invest and get into politics, then he becomes Professional Thief. These thieves are wide-spread throughout our nation and it is a very important challenge for all of us to ensure that they are cured at the earliest.

Let us be the right Citizen (Child) to our motherland and understand that there is no shortcut to being righteous. Let each and every one of us perform our duties truthfully and happily accept the outcome for our efforts. Small droplets make big ocean, so let us join hands and form a perfect citizen group which is impregnable by any untrue deeds/actions/individuals. Luxuries are exhaustible and short lived, let’s not be blinded by them and lose the value of the big picture. If we don’t organize ourselves soon, corruption will slave us soon creating more and more imbalance and finally ending up a scenario which is insecure and unstable.

At this point, I wish to say that one thing puzzles me. While the citizens of our nation are pulling their act together to make a corruption fee nation, are we missing active involvement from other politicians and parties at the ground zero level, whom we believed and handed over the responsibility of prospering our nation? Is it that their key income source is being scrutinized that they are getting only some representatives to come out with some “beating around the bush statements”? We select and elect our representatives, so let’s make an honest review and understand. With the option to vote for President’s Rule available, we can also display our disbelief on the dedication of officials. Let’s also make a point that we first will become the RIGHT CITIZEN (CHILD) to our WONDERFUL & BLESSED NATION (MOTHERLAND) and stand together always and establish a righteous and prosperous NATION – OUR INDIA.

SATHISH N

Right Person at the Right Place - Intro

Literature have shed ample light on the different stages of life as well as different slabs of living in the world. In spite of the differences, we unite to accept that all of us belong to the same species. Beyond that there are always differences in our perspectives that decide our actions and thus the happenings in the universe. Probably, one statement that most will stand united will be “I’m suffering”. Check with anyone, there will be very minimal individuals who say I’m happy. Everyone will have something or other that makes them “feel” incomplete, which acts as the reason for their pain.

One special feature about human beings is the notion that we are always correct, so all the problems are reasoned because of others. Whereas, during success, the statement changes, often it will be I did everything and my smartness and intelligence were the reasons, maybe the people who supported were just robots programmed by the claimer.

The truth always is that irrespective to success or failure, everything comes as a result of the collective effort. So our involvement is default and mostly the major reason for our own happiness/pain. This may lead to an argument that how can one state so for events where others pulled the strings. Such arguments are result of incomplete analysis. Often our analysis limits to the current events and we judge ourselves based on our involvement in those events. Also our justifications to portrait ourselves clean makes the analysis biased. So the result is invalid.

Also every action will have a root which will have a sequence of events before the ultimate. Our involvement at each and every instance will add to determine how much we are the reason for the final outcome. So the percentage of involvement may vary from 1% to 99% but never will be 0% or 100%.

Everyone on Earth are blessed with the common sense to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong (Exceptions: mentally disabled). Also every individual knows what gives happiness to them. Depending on how intense a person holds the hand of right/wrong in the journey towards one’s own goal, the right/wrong action is decided.

Imagine you have a big garden that has a lot of seeds sowed. One may like few types of plants, so will give more attention in its growth. Seeds that were cared at most will have maximum growth relative to others. Depending on the dominance of the type of plants in our garden, one decides the type of garden we own. As the ultimate owner of the garden, we can weed off the wrong plant and replace it with right, transforming the garden judiciously. Creating the right combination of plants will be always advisable as it will have positive effect on us as well as the creations dependent on the garden, not to forget the plants themselves and thus the garden too. Being flexible and adaptable to right practice is the best solution to become a good gardener.

Now relating the garden to our mind and caring of the seeds to nurturing the right/wrong, we will get the bigger picture of our soul. So the options are always open, choosing the right one at the earliest will give righteous outcome consistently. The world is nothing but combination of individuals, so zooming into the life of an individual, it can be learned that most of the negative happenings were due to the absence of the right person to guide and support. So the simple solution at the atomic level to this macro problem is “Right Person at the Right Place”.

We will try to get in detail about the influence of the difference key roles in an individual’s life that validates the blessings of the Right Person or rather the goodness of being the Right Person in our current role.

SATHISH N

Every Drop of Sweat Counts!

One of the most powerful means to churn money nowadays is “Emotional Utilization”. We often see this vastly used by the entertainment media. The more one succeeds in tuning the effectiveness, the greater the reach, let it be the serials or the reality shows or movies.


There is another strong field that works on the same platform which is very powerful and vast, “the sentiment of poverty”. This is one area that can easily win sympathy and never come on the radar for scrutiny. This advantage has paved way for a successful business in the form of “beggars”. There isn’t a minimum cut off to enter this field or any retirement age. We come across beggars of all forms, right from the newborns with their mom to the grand old who may be immobile or moving around with the aid of wheeled platform.

This weekend I had to wait a little bit long for my bus that gave me opportunity to scan around and witness the different forms of living. There were stalls selling fruits, sweets, et cetera. Some had piled the cucumbers at a place for sale whereas some were carrying them to the passengers waiting and travelling. There was a mom and small daughter entertaining the people with their acrobats and making their living. (Few places we often come across people selling books, papers, lottery and eatables.)

There was another group that was moving around easily and making their effort count, probably at a better profit margin than the rest – Beggars. The investments that they make are minimum but the returns are manifolds.

Let’s do a simple math. Currently the minimum rate is Rs. 1. Assuming the success rate per round is 10, and every round is at a gap of 15 minutes, for a shift of 8 hours, the net output will be Rs. 320. Tallying it for a month, the net income is 9600. Isn’t this greater than the average salary of the youth in our country, who has more commitment and responsibilities.

Take for example the job of a normal Sales Executive. The effort they put in to make themselves successful is born-crushing. They should make themselves appealing and impressive and should be well groomed. Need to go on tiring long travels to try meeting their steep targets. Undergoes mental and emotional pain because of the clients, the superiors and in addition attitude problems and long faces. Their day start at 7 AM and ends only by 7 PM or even late, which is 4 hours-plus more than the calculation we did earlier. If everything goes fine, get incentives and if not, deductions. With all these, they may earn in the range of 7500 or so.

A call center employee needs to make his effort every minute to make his day count. The specified break timing is the only relief and after that the automated dialer will ensure they are on calls throughout. Same is the case with most of the professions. A split second is sufficient to cause major harm to themselves and equipment for professionals in hardware line, mechanical, civil or automobile, hence mental alertness is an added skill on demand to survive. So everything comes at a price.

We also have this group in the society that states themselves to be downtrodden (maybe with attitude and self respect) and lives as parasite on others’ hard work. Few have part time jobs too, Theft. There are different strategies that these groups employ like: lost in an unknown city and want to go back home; hungry and need money to have food (providing food is not entertained), eager to learn but dad is irresponsible and want to pay fees, emergency surgery/medicine and so on. In the above cases, they can be normal and need not picture themselves shabby. If successful in convincing and being sympathised, the yield is better, the minimum will improve from 1 to 10 or even 20. The city is vast and population is huge, so even success rate of 10 per hour will friend them with a monthly income of a staggering Rs. 24000!!!

I am not saying that there aren’t people in need of support and help but the message is let’s be cautious, conscious, smart and choosy. Professional beggars are not quitting it because they or their users are well paid for their effort. If this embarrassment needs to be erased from our society, then let’s not entertain blind service. To do service, let’s find the real helpless, verify and then support. Let’s value our intention, effort and hard work. Let the benefit and noble deed reach the needy and not the greedy.

SATHISH N

Searching For Jobs??

10 Top sites to search for Jobs:

10. Devnetjobsindia.org

9. Careerbuilder.com
8. Bixee.com
7. Clickjobs.com
6. Shine.com
5. Freshersworld.com
4. Timesjob.com
3. Jobsahead.com
2. Monsterindia.com

1. Naukri.com

I LIKE SERIES - 3

ROLE MODELS...

Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Sachin Tendulkar, Alfred Hitchcock.... What is the primary impact of all those remarkable personalities? They become role models or benchmarks for individuals to aspire for. People can look up to someone's journey towards success in their "respective fields" and learn from their triumphs and failures. That is the normal case that we usually encounter but there is another dreadful impact which is leading to misery for young minds. Remarkable personalities and them impacting negatively doesn't jell well, right? Yes, but it is not the personalities who are directly influencing things but the parents who are setting these personalities as "targets" for their kids to achieve for. It doesn't matter if the kids are capable/interested or not, the kids are the parent’s angels (puppets) who are supposed to make the parents' dreams come true. Never dare to ask any parent why they didn't try to make their dreams a reality by themselves rather than passing the buck!!!

The real meaning of guidance is misunderstood and is ending up being forced. If a sportsperson shines in his field, the kids should grow to match him. If a scientist comes out with sparkling success, then the kids target is changed. Every parent wants their kid to be a star, so whoever is there on the top, shinning, should be their kids. Of course they should be cashing a lot of money too, financial security is the ultimate goal of any human being, right!!!

Off late the scenario is changing with people who suffered from it determinant not to inject the same venom into their kids but at times they tend to overdo things. Too much of pampering and overly cocooning is leading kids to be in an imaginative world filled with fun, safety and unaware about being responsible towards thyself or the society. Many teachers are getting affected because of this. When we hear about the suicide or suicide attempts by kids for being scolded by teachers, we tend to imagine that the teacher should have been so harsh for the kid to take such extreme steps but that is not always the case. Often the teachers are on the receiving end of the byproduct of illogical pampering, which is costing their career and life.

The primary thing one should understand is, the parents are the first and best role model for any kids. There can't be anything better than their acts and deeds that can mould them towards being a smart and successful individual. The world is not full of happiness or success, it is mix of everything and it is the responsibility of parents to make their kids be aware of it and make them educated about the value of being righteous. Showering money or materialistic stuffs will give happiness but more than that sowing the right attitude and character and grooming them as responsible individuals is more prosperous. Everyone wish to be in the limelight or recognized and kids should be made to realize that it is to be earned and for the right reason which will have chain reaction of right things, which will be long-lasting.

I would like to quote an example of the inspiring worlds of a mom that helped her son to grow to heights. Rajalakshmi was a homemaker and she didn't set targets for her kid to be an engineer or doctor or scientist or sportsman or whatever but she asked him to give the best irrespective to the field he was in. She quoted that even if her son chooses the profession of housekeeper who cleans the toilet, he should "give his best" and should learn and grow to be the best in what he does. It was very obvious that the stress was on giving your best and that probably made it easier for the kid. For him everything he does was an opportunity and the competition was within and not with the lakhs who contest for limited seats or designations. Had it been a specific target set, his choice would have limited and been under stress to catch the bus and never miss it. The kid's first job happened to be a barber (though for very short time), and even at that time the mom stuck to her words and didn't criticize. The kid ended up being a versatile performer in Indian Cinema. He took his mother’s inspiration words throughout his career and excelled in all that he was exposed to, whether he took up role of child artist (where he won the national award in his first movie itself), or being dance master, or script writer, or singer and so on, grooming himself to be well-versed in all those fields. The kid is "Kamal Hassan".

Preaching alone has not yielded results, so parents it is time for practice. Be the hero to your kids, they will become heroes by time.

SATHISH N

Our Culture

One day I was waiting for the bus to my home. Nearby was a college student holding his books. One of his books had few wordings behind it which caught my attention. It said that the East India Company before invading India had asked to conduct a survey. The person after his study reported that to conquer India, the first thing to break into was the richness of Indian Culture. There was no/minimal theft, suicide rate was negligible, people had challenges but they didn't see those as demons.

Now whether the East India Company was successful in sowing its seed or we lost track of our roots and its value, vast majority of the current generation is highly insecure deep within. The raising crime rates, suicides, psychiatric problems, violence etc are testament of the same.

The century long fight for freedom lasting for three generations resulted in paving way for a new generation that was stranded and unaware/uneducated about the value of its culture. The maturity level and perspectives started to shrink due to the lack of guidance by generations before (whose key focus was independence) and made them directionless. Mislead by our invaders, materialistic achievements and pleasures became the new benchmark of happiness but they didn't realize this was set at the cost of peace of mind, safety of the conscious and socioeconomic prosperity. Gradually, life became less for living and more of business focused on returns and profits.

The path of self discipline, contentment, and self realization may not be as flamboyant as the current scenario but on a macro perspective it is far more prosperous and yields rich dividend, both for the individuals and the society. Now, for the sake of argument, let's not pull in selected failures and differences and delay our enlightenment and re-establishing the richness of our culture. Let's not continue with failed practices but hold hands of our successful and prosperous culture by upgrading it for the current century and setting a glorious path for the generations ahead.

SATHISH N - Still more to come.....:-)

FRIENDSHIP

Friendship!!! When we flip over the pages of our Autograph Book of our school/college days, we would come across ample lot of definitions on friendship. But on growing up, when Love, Career and Responsibilities take the primary position, friendship slowly takes the backseat, and we often find that the most intimate person is no more part of our life itself.


In anybody's journey towards self realization, the role of friends is vast and deep. Some influence you indirectly whereas some directly. Some supplies you with free advice whereas some will be there with you as your shadow never bothered to be noticed but still always there for you. Some teaches you by leaning on you whereas some put the arm around and take you around comfortably even through the tough days. Some remembers during parties alone, whereas some grows to the stature of being a role model and guidance. Some friendship will be redefined as brotherly or sisterly whereas some are born as brothers/sisters but becomes the best friend available. More of the latter of the above list, the better.

Any successful/peaceful person will have a huge role of his/her friends. If anyone says that they are self-made, it is more of their "ego" of the "I" that is dominating their conscious and intelligence. As mentioned earlier, we fall apart during the journey of life and nowadays Orkuts and Facebooks helps to "keep in touch" but real friendship goes beyond to being celebrated and adored. Let us remember those great souls who made us what we are.

I would like to start remembering a few who stand apart for their uniqueness and molded me to be what I am with all their care, positive vibe and inspiration. In the order they came into my life, to start off: my sis, Sandhya, who is more than just any other ordinary sis. Sunitha, the first person who stood apart for her smartness, character and simplicity. Manu, for his intelligence. Ramya, for her innocence, care and support. Shilpi, for her self belief and self confidence. Premjith, a great motivator. Ambrose, humble and humane. Ramesh Bai, for his wide perspective, fun filled, and setting standards. Subash, spiritual enlightening. Mahesh, silent but anywhere, anytime reliable force. Christopher, Raguvaran, Sajitha and Murugan Anna transformed me into a new life taking all the pain and pressure of the rebirth. I wish everyone gets friends like I got who could transform even ordinary things to beauty with their sheer presence.

Though friendship doesn't fall to any mathematical equation, if one asks me what I had done for them, the answer would be "meager" but they continue to be what they are, boundless and boundaryless, and that's friendship. Each of us will be having such friends, let's have them back in our life and cherish their presence and relation forever.

SATHISH N (Thanks a lot for the contribution and the mention)

Importance of Implied Communications!

Communication Skill

I would like to share an interesting incident that happened few days back. I was traveling in a bus on way to my home. It was crowded and I didn't get a seat. I wanted to work on my reading habit and had just purchased "The old man and his god" by Sudha Murthy. Inspired by my friend Shilpi, who always submerges herself into books whenever she is alone, I too thought to utilize the time and have a feel of the book. I enjoyed the book right from the first page and couldn't resist it.


A fellow passenger who was standing behind me was looking over me. Being a Saturday evening, it seems he had already started with his weekend partying, which was obvious from the scent that he had on him and his rhythmic steps. As if keen to know, he asked what I am reading. I said it is a book on various life experiences. For that he stated, I don't know all those things but just wanted to learn what you are reading standing here in the crowd. Then I realized his problem was not me reading but had misunderstood it for showing off.

There was another similar incidence with my friend Sajitha. She was chatting with her senior officials over phone on her to way to home and the communication was through English. One person, who again was in his weekend party mood, passed her listening to the conversation. He had walked away few feet but returned and scolded her for talking in English. Again, communicating in English was misunderstood as showing off.

Communication is key skill to move up the ladder professionally. What is the use of taking everything on the shoulders but not able to express the ideas properly? I often ask my team to work on this skill but mostly they failed to know its value and the bigger picture, which was very annoying as that habit was not going to help them justify their effort. There are three key people in that branch who actively involves in making the team better but only one communicates on the happenings, the other two carries believes in action speak than words.

When I and Sinoj were there for a routine visit, the name of the person who usually communicates often came to mind easily and often, which I felt made the other two feel odd. During the one-on-one meetings we had after that, both of us shared the same point on improving the communication skill. We quoted that since I knew them and their effort, I was available to mention it but that need not be the case always. What if I was not there but someone else who was new to the entire system and never knew about their effort?

I think it is time for us to come out of the misunderstanding and ignorance that communicating in English is showing off and an effort to market oneself. Effective expression of ideas and opinions is key for any individual's growth as well as the growth of the team that they are involved with. Probably we can rate the people who still carry a wrong notion of communicating in English or efforts to improve that skill as one who are having hangover of ignorance and are still in their school days. Worth noting is, it is important to enrich our own literature, so let's balance things by effective time sharing and choosing good authors.

 

Sathish N

(Thanks again for the contribution - Ingu Porattey :-))

CB's Advice

India Vs. England Test Series

Well, to watch the ongoing India Vs. England test series at your office: CLICK HERE

Time to React....

Our Mother Earth, our Motherland, wow! How exciting to hear those terms. People who live away from their native would have experienced goosebumps just by thinking about it. We may do anything to defend our Mother Earth during a crisis, even if it is at the cost of our own life. The army at the border will be accepting it chorus. But other than that are we really doing anything special for our world. During normal situations we think about prospering our wealth and resources but then what about our motherland's resources? Have we personally felt it is our responsibility to enrich our nature? Yes, there are dedicated groups who are involved, but when a small family needs everyone pulling the strings in the right direction to grow, what about our universal family?


We often feel it’s other’s mistake and I am perfect but let's realize we have responsibilities beyond being perfect or correct. Correction and cleaning is also our duty. We need to hold our hands together for combined strength in making things happen. If we need pure water, we should be bothered about the state of our water bodies. If we need healthy food forever, we should be interested about the condition of agriculture lands and the farmers engaged in it. If we need clean air, we, along with our near and dear ones, should be happily involved in preserving the natural vegetation and controlling pollution.

It is said that Evolution has brought about a lot of changes in human beings wherein the physical features were altered as per its utilization - some sort of nature's optimization process, which is external. But internally, as a soul, we remain the same. Only we forced or trained our mindset to shrink from universal to global to national to local to joint family to nuclear family and now moving towards I, me and myself.

We are happy to see our home neat and clean but forget to understand that the basement for our living place is our surrounding and it is an integral part of us. If it stinks, our home too stinks. When the drainage in our area overflows and is all around the street, we are irritated with the government but is it justifiable? What is the core reason for this? Is this not the result of our own family members or servants being lethargic and dumping garbage into the drainage? In what way should the government be pulled in? Did they advice you to keep surroundings unclean or appoint the servant? Now let's not point finger towards the neighbor, which is even worse. If self discipline is in place, the entire system will be in place, and will help in solving the problem to a great extent.

Look around to the present state of natural resources. If there isn't much to learn and realize from it now, a day will come when the world will tilt towards very pathetic days. Rich and poor, poverty and theft, violence and fear will rule the world. All current necessities will become luxuries. Crime rate will sky rocket but none will complain other than people suffering from it because we too may be part of it.

Today we justify ourselves saying we are too busy not to spend time with our family, to accumulate wealth for their safe future. We want them to be well educated and placed in better positions but it is better to teach them some martial arts and make them experts in it. If the current scenario prevails, safety will be out of question and survival will not be dependent on wealth or knowledge but one's ability to self defend. Let's not allow Charles Darwin’s theory of "Survival of the Fittest" become practical, but act together smartly saving and prospering our mother nature.


Via SATHISH N
(Thanks a lot for this thought-provoking article contribution)

Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Millions of people, especially in the US, suffer from Friggatriskaidekaphobia. Folds appearing on your forehead? Well nothing but the irrational fear of 13th of a month falling on Friday, or simply put "Friday, the 13th." This superstition costs US hundreds of millions of dollars on that particular one day, as millions avoid their normal routines on this day.

With that in the backdrop, two days from now we have the next Friday, the 13th. This time around, Friggatriskaidekaphobia is supposed to hit India too. The assembly election results in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam are due to be declared on Friday. Definitely one set of people are going to be believers of this superstition. Red has always been a sign of danger, but this time around a danger is seen to Red in Kerala and West Bengal, if exit polls are to be believed. BP must have risen for all the contestants and party workers. Well let their heart and brain work at least one day.

Whether Friday, the 13th affects you or not, dear politicians, our work is over. We've all voted. But spare a thought for all of us who have made you victorious - by not gathering on public roads to show your happiness blocking transport. A few of us who have voted for you might even be on our way to hospital, being extremely sick. A few of us might be tying the knot on this particular day. A few of us might be having interviews to shape up our careers, and need to catch our trains and flights on time. You have all rights to celebrate, but do find a spacious ground for that. Please, it's a request. Don't make your voters suffer from Friggatriskaidekaphobia!!.

I LIKE SERIES - 2

NOSTRADAMUS - BOOK II, VOL 5, PARA 3, LINES 24-28

>>Brent Crude rises to $121 from $85 levels, thanks to the unrest in the Middle East.

>>Central Govt. mulls a Rs. 5 per liter increase in petrol prices next week.

>>Both inevitable and uncontrollable.


ENTER NOSTRADAMUS:
"One of the Friday/Saturday or Monday in the month of May, in the year 2011 A.D., Kerala govt. will be gifting its people a HARTAL holiday!! The universal remedy to all problems in Kerala. (The only hindrance is election results on May 13th)." This will be followed by indefinite private bus strike (as a part of their long-term efforts to improve passenger service) and a one-day auto and taxi strike.


We need to wait and see if this prediction of Nostradamus holds good:-)